At the initiative of the Regional Committee of the Armenian Relief Society (ARS) in Australia, the 2013 ARS International Seminar was organized from March 1–15, 2013, with the participation of ARS members from various Armenian diaspora communities.
The program included a two-day seminar, which was held in the Nalbandian Hall of the Arshak and Sophie Galstaun College of Hamazkayin, and a tour of tourist spots and historic sites in Sydney.
On March 7, the visiting group, accompanied by Vicky Marashlian, the chairperson of the ARS Central Committee, as well as other members of the regional committees and chapters, visited the Galstaun College. They had the opportunity to meet some students and to get introduced to the different activities carried out within the school.
The staff of the College headed by Principal Nishan Basmajian, as well as a group of students, teachers and parents, warmly welcomed the visiting ARS members. Addressing the audience, Carolyn Blanden, the Head of the College, said that this was a special day for all of them. She then invited the students to perform an artistic program.
The students’ performance was followed by Principal N. Basmajian’s speech, who once again extended a warm welcome to the ARS members and expressed the College team’s gratitude to ARS for its continuous support and assistance. Afterwards, he presented Vicky Marashlian and invited her to deliver her message.
Mrs. Marashlian highly praised the performances of the students, commending them and their teachers for their dedicated work. Then, she described the organizational structure of ARS, explained its charitable and humanitarian projects, and encouraged the students to always support its mission.
Afterwards, a tea party was organized by the Parents’ Committee and then the guests toured the College classrooms and offices.
After the tour, the guests bid farewell to the students, wishing them and their school continued success.
Below are Vicky Marashlian’s words jotted down in the visitors’ book of the Galstaun College:
“It was an honor for us to be here today and enjoy the play, songs, and recitations performed by the students. Their Armenian identity poured from each word. Members from all over the world were here today to take part in the seminar organized by the Regional Committee of ARS in Australia. We wish the school a bright future and continued success.”
Nora Sevagian